Full Idea
Reprisal is the first resort of force. It is an alternative to war, and that description is an important argument in its favour.
Gist of Idea
Reprisal is defensible, as an alternative to war
Source
Michael Walzer (Just and Unjust Wars [1977], 13)
Book Reference
Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.218
A Reaction
Enduring wrongs with dignity might be another alternative. Successful reprisals may be acceptable, but how do you assess their prospects?